Mouth: Difference between revisions

{{Infobox Anatomy |

Name = Mouth |

Latin = os, cavitas oralis |

Image = Illu01 head neck.jpg |

Caption = Head and neck |

Image2 = Mouth.jpg |

Caption2 = A closed human female mouth |

Precursor = |

System = |

Artery = |

Vein = |main

Nerve = |

Lymph = |

MeshName = Oral+cavity |

MeshNumber = A01.456.505.631 |

DorlandsPre = c_16 |

DorlandsSuf = 12220513 |

}}

The '''mouth''' is the first portion of the [[alimentary canal]] that receives food and

[[saliva]].<ref name="humanbiology">{{cite book

| last = Maton

| first = Anthea

| authorlink =

| coauthors = Jean Hopkins, Charles William McLaughlin, Susan Johnson, Maryanna Quon Warner, David LaHart, Jill D. Wright

| title = Human Biology and Health

| publisher = Prentice Hall

| year = 1993

| location = Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, USA

| pages =

| url =

| doi =

| id =

| isbn = 0-13-981176-1}}</ref> The [[oral mucosa]] is the [[mucous membrane]] [[epithelium]] lining the inside of the mouth.

In addition to its primary role as the beginning of the digestive system, in humans the mouth also plays a significant role in [[communication]]. While primary aspects of the [[voice]] are produced in the [[throat]], the [[tongue]], [[lip]]s, and [[human mandible|jaw]] are also needed to produce the range of sounds included in human language.

The mouth, normally moist, is lined with a [[mucous membrane]], and contains the [[dentition|teeth]]. The lips mark the transition from mucous membrane to [[skin]], which covers most of the [[body]].

==In humans==

===Mouth cavity=== <!--Mouth cavity redirects here-->

[[File:Mouth illustration-Otis Archives.jpg|thumb|Illustration of the inside of a human mouth. Cheeks have been cut and lips pulled back for an unobstructed view.]]

The first space of the mouth is the mouth cavity, bounded laterally and in front by the [[alveolar]] arches (containing the [[teeth]]), and posteriorily by the [[isthmus of the fauces]]. The oral cavity is also known as the mouth which swallows food that then goes down the esophagus and into the stomach.

===Orifice===

While shut, the orifice of the mouth forms a line between the upper and lower lip. In [[facial expression]], this ''mouth line'' is iconically shaped like a up-open [[parabola]] in a [[smile]], and like a down-open parabola in a [[frown]]. A ''down-turned mouth'' means a mouth line forming a down-turned parabola, and when permanent can be normal. Also, a ''down-turned mouth'' can be part of the presentation of [[Prader-Willi syndrome]].<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1002/1096-8628(200022)97:2<136::AID-AJMG5>3.0.CO;2-V|title=Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes: Sister imprinted disorders|year=2000|last1=Cassidy|first1=Suzanne B.|last2=Dykens|first2=Elisabeth|last3=Williams|first3=Charles A.|journal=American Journal of Medical Genetics|volume=97|issue=2|pages=136–46|pmid=11180221}}</ref>

===Function===

The mouth plays an important role in [[eating]], [[drink]]ing and [[breathing]].

[[Infant]]s are born with a [[sucking]] reflex, by which they [[instinct]]ively know to suck for nourishment using their lips and [[jaw]].

===Cultural aspects===

Lips can be adorned with [[lipstick]] or [[lip gloss]], although in most cultures, this is typically only practiced by females. Both men and women, however, apply [[lip balm]] in order to soothe chapped or dry lips.

[[Piercings]] in or around the mouth have been made popular by younger generations, including those on the lip or tongue. The [[uvula piercing]], while increasing in popularity, remains relatively rare.

===Development===

The [[philtrum]] is the vertical groove in the upper lip, formed where the [[nasomedial]] and [[maxilla]]ry processes meet during [[embryo]] [[embryogenesis|development]]. When these processes fail to fuse fully, a [[hare lip]] and/or [[cleft palate]] can result. This can result in the encouraging process of the release of metabolic wastes.

The nasolabial folds are the deep creases of tissue that extend from the nose to the sides of the mouth. One of the first signs of age on the human face is the increase in prominence of the nasolabial folds.

==In non-human animals==

[[Image:Gators mouth.jpg|thumb|Alligators are known for their large mouths and sharp teeth]]

Some animal [[phylum|phyla]], including [[vertebrate]]s, have a complete [[digestive system]], with a mouth at one end and an anus at the other. Which end forms first in [[ontogeny]] is a criterion used to classify animals into [[protostome]] and [[deuterostome]]. The first space of the mouth is the mouth cavity, bounded laterally and in front by the alveolar arches (containing the teeth), and posteriorly by the isthmus of the fauces.<ref name="humanbiology"/>

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==See also==

{{Portal|Dentistry}}

*[[Head and neck anatomy]]

*[[Mouth breathing]]

*[[Index of oral health and dental articles]]

*[[List of basic dentistry topics]]

*[[Tonsillolith]]

*[[Arthropod mouthparts]]

*[[Insect mouthparts]]

==References==

==External links==

{{human anatomical features}}

{{Mouth anatomy}}